2021

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.

The journey to being named National Youth of the Year begins locally and progresses to the state, regional and national levels. To achieve the title of Youth of the Year on any level, Club members must embody the values of leadership and service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles. They should exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people

APPLICATION

BGCM Youth of the Year Erica Smith2019-20

BGCM Youth of YearApplication Packet2021

2021

PARTICIPANTS INFORMATION

First Name _____________  Last Name __________  Middle I. ___

Race: __________________________________

Home Phone______________ Email Address _____________________

Birthday ____________ (please include year)

Parent or Guardian _________________ Relationship: ___________

Parent or Guardian _________________ Relationship: ___________

Parent or Guardian Work Phone: _____________________________

Parent or Guardian E-mail: _________________________________

Home Address ____________________________________________

City ____________ State _____ Zip Code ____________

School Name ____________________________

Grade ______________

Club You Attend _________________________________

Length of Club Membership __________

What extra-curricular activities do you participate in? __________________

_________________________________________________________

APPLICATION

*Insert Photo of Participant*

2021

APPLICATION CHECKLIST Applications must include each item noted below. To ensure the application is complete, check off each item on this page as you complete and upload it to the portal at NYOY.org.

Note: Once applications are submitted, they cannot be altered!

Participant Information Form

This includes the candidate bio. Help the nominee fill this form out, if needed. Submit the form on

https://bgcomaha.org/scholarship/ . You will scroll down on the site and see an option that states,

“Form Submission”

Essays

Essay instructions are included at the bottom of this application. Candidates should compose and

type their essay in Microsoft word, then submit on https://bgcomaha.org/scholarship/ . You will scroll

down on the site and see an option that states, “Essay Submission”. The required questions to

answer are:

What is something that makes you happy? What are you good at doing? What have you learned at the Club? What do you like about the Club?

Speech

Candidates will prepare a speech on the required essays. Speeches may be no longer than three

minutes. Participants should compose and type speeches in Microsoft word, then submit on

https://bgcomaha.org/scholarship/ . You will scroll down the site and see an option that states,

“Speech Submission”.

APPLICATION

2021

SCORING FRAMEWORK

Category Description Weight“All About Me” Portfolio/Essays

Candidates must develop an “All About Me” Portfolio that includes a one-page essay answering the following questions:

What is something that makes you happy? What are you good at doing? What have you learned at the Club? What do you like about the Club?

In addition to the essay, candidates may choose to include any of the following to enhance their portfolio presentation:

photos artwork school projects creative writing pieces (a poem or spoken-word piece) vision boards video clip

The essays will be judged for content, clarity and overall quality.

25%

Interview

Candidates should prepare for a 15-minute personal interview with judges. During the interview, judges will ask each candidate the same questions, but follow-up questions may vary, depending on each candidate’s responses.

25%

Public Speaking

Candidates should be prepared to deliver a speech based on the content of their three application essays. Speeches may be no longer than three minutes. Candidates will be judged on speech content, delivery, stage presence and poise.

25%

APPLICATION

2021

Overall Application Quality

Judges will evaluate the overall quality of the candidate’s portfolio – the essay, application and supporting materials. The following criteria will be used to assess each portfolio: clarity, professionalism, completion of each section and quality of supplemental materials.

25%

ESSAY INSTRUCTIONSPlease use these instructions to help you develop your essays. Allow each of the questions and prompts to guide you. Your essays will be judged on content, writing style, clarity and grammar. Work with staff members at your Club to make sure they are well-written and compelling.

The essay should be one page in length. Once your draft is complete, submit your final copy by uploading the file on https://bgcomaha.org/scholarship/ . You will scroll down on the site and see an option that states, “Essay Submission”.

Candidates must develop an “All About Me” Portfolio that includes a one-page essay answering the following questions:

What is something that makes you happy? What are you good at doing? What have you learned at the Club? What do you like about the Club?

In addition to the essay, candidates may choose to include any of the following to enhance their portfolio presentation:

photos artwork school projects creative writing pieces (a poem or spoken-word piece) vision boards video clip

The essays will be judged for content, clarity and overall quality.

APPLICATION